Gay Chicago Guide - Gay Bars & Clubs, Hotels, Beaches, Reviews and Maps - GayCities Chicago

Gay Chicago

Destination of the Month
Photo of Chicago Destination of the Month

Chicago is the nation's third largest city and boasts a large gay community. Like New York or Atlanta in their regions, Chicago serves as the Midwest's cosmopolitan hub and attracts young and old alike--all looking to escape to the freedoms and opportunities of the big city. Gay life (and gay bars) in Chicago is mostly concentrated in two areas: Northalsted (really "East Lakeview") and Andersonville, which is farther up the city's north side. Bars and clubs have one of two licenses: most close at 2 am (3 am on Saturdays) and a few stay open after-hours until 4 am (5 am on Saturdays). If you're up for a late night, you'll find the after-hours bars packed after the other bars close.

Popular Neighborhoods

Explore what Chicago has to offer

Take a deep dive into Chicago’s newest gay bar: Fathom

lakeview local

Take a deep dive into Chicago’s newest gay bar: Fathom

Five fabulous new queer bars opening in the US this spring and summer

something new

Five fabulous new queer bars opening in the US this spring and summer

The Tryst unveils plans for its first gay, boutique hotel in Chicago — and wants local feedback

windy city luxury

The Tryst unveils plans for its first gay, boutique hotel in Chicago — and wants local feedback

Anthony Rapp on why he’s quit New York City for Chicago

family man

Anthony Rapp on why he’s quit New York City for Chicago

17 photos of guys in their ‘Onesies’ and union suits at Sidetrack in Chicago

snuggle up

17 photos of guys in their ‘Onesies’ and union suits at Sidetrack in Chicago

Check out the photos from Chicago’s Santa Speedo Run 2025

run, santa, run!

Check out the photos from Chicago’s Santa Speedo Run 2025

Check out some of the finest festival-goers at Northalsted Market Days in Chicago

"pure magic"

Check out some of the finest festival-goers at Northalsted Market Days in Chicago

Chicago Pride is just the start. Here are seven charming Prides to enjoy in small-town Illinois

small town charm

Chicago Pride is just the start. Here are seven charming Prides to enjoy in small-town Illinois

Pride's Big Five: Where to splurge & celebrate your queer joy this summer

say gay

Pride's Big Five: Where to splurge & celebrate your queer joy this summer

How to find the world's best gay bathhouses

get steamy

How to find the world's best gay bathhouses

Traveling without a passport: LGBTQ+ friendly adventures closer to home

no passport? no problem!

Traveling without a passport: LGBTQ+ friendly adventures closer to home

His street photography was a hobby. Now Patric McCoy's work is displayed in museums.

point and click

His street photography was a hobby. Now Patric McCoy's work is displayed in museums.

All Chicago Articles

Upcoming Events

International Mr. Leather

International Mr. Leather

World famous leather lovers

The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center

May 21 - 25, 2026

All Chicago Events

Bars & Clubs

Sidetrack

Sidetrack

Where bigger is always better

Northalsted
Roscoe's Tavern

Roscoe's Tavern

Iconic drag, bingo, booze & babes

Northalsted
Hydrate Nightclub

Hydrate Nightclub

Energetic & entertaining dance club

Northalsted
Jackhammer

Jackhammer

A place to wear Levis

Rogers Park
Cell Block

Cell Block

Notorious leather bar

Northalsted
Lucky Horseshoe Lounge

Lucky Horseshoe Lounge

Getting lucky since 1989

Northalsted
Touché

Touché

Cruise in leather

Rogers Park
Big Chicks

Big Chicks

Vibrant, colorful, and amazing food!

Uptown
The North End

The North End

Cold drinks and giant flat screens

Northalsted
Scarlet Bar

Scarlet Bar

Drinks, dance, repeat

Northalsted
Atmosphere

Atmosphere

Delightfully raunchy dive bar

Andersonville
Second Story Bar

Second Story Bar

Old-school, hidden away dive

River North
All Chicago Bars & Clubs

Restaurants

Wood

Wood

Romantic & stylish Boystown bistro

Northalsted
Las Mananitas

Las Mananitas

Exemplary service & the best margs in town

Northalsted
Kit Kat Club

Kit Kat Club

Upscale art deco entertainment space

Northalsted
Nookies Too

Nookies Too

Classic American comfort food

Northalsted
Ann Sather Restaurant & Catering

Ann Sather Restaurant & Catering

Trusted Chicago institution

Northalsted
Angelina Ristorante

Angelina Ristorante

Authentic, romantic & intimate Italian bistro

Northalsted
Joy's  Noodles & Rice

Joy's Noodles & Rice

Casual atmosphere serving classic Thai favorites

Northalsted
Drew's on Halsted

Drew's on Halsted

Fresh American bistro fare

Northalsted
Tweet

Tweet

Great hangover breakfast spot

Andersonville
Frontera Grill

Frontera Grill

Fresh Mexican fare with a sophisticated twist

Downtown
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Over 50 years of pizza perfection

Suburbs
Giordano's

Giordano's

Deep dish recipe passed down for generations

River North
All Chicago Restaurants

Hotels

The Villa Toscana Guest House

The Villa Toscana Guest House

Elegant & unique accommodations

Northalsted
Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace

Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace

A Boystown secret

Northalsted
City Suites Hotel

City Suites Hotel

Art Deco boutique hotel

Lakeview
Hyatt Regency Chicago

Hyatt Regency Chicago

Modern refinement with killer views

North Loop
Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago

Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago

Casual stay near all the sights

Lakeview
The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

Chic accomodations in Chicago's theater district

North Loop
Majestic Hotel

Majestic Hotel

English charm with a modern twist

Lakeview
Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park

Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park

Bright, sophisticated and funky downtown hotel

Downtown
House 5863

House 5863

Not your grandma's B&B

Edgewater
Eurostars Magnificent Mile

Eurostars Magnificent Mile

Polished hotel in the middle of it all

River North
Magnolia Studios

Magnolia Studios

Charming family-owned B&B

Edgewater
Hampton Inn Chicago-O'Hare International Airport

Hampton Inn Chicago-O'Hare International Airport

Reliable and relaxing airport hotel

Suburbs
All Chicago Hotels